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ABA taps Baltimore for 2021 Marketplace

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced Baltimore as the site of its 2021 ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace. The dates of the 2021 Marketplace will be Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2021. This will be the second time the ABA has held its meeting in the city.

"We look forward to bringing our ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace to Baltimore in 2021," said ABA President/CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. “Our last time in Baltimore was in 2001, and this city has transformed itself over the last 20 years to a multi-cultural, culinary city that is convenient to get around and unforgettable in all that you will see and do. It is a perfect group travel destination city.”

"We're excited to welcome thousands of American Bus Association members back to Maryland in 2021," said Gov. Larry Hogan. "Last year, Maryland welcomed more than four million bus tour visitors, which generated nearly $2 billion into our economy. This conference will give us the opportunity to increase our share of the group tour market, and also showcase Baltimore's rich heritage and outstanding cultural attractions."

In 2017, ABA’s meeting in Cleveland welcomed more than 3,400 tour operators, travel industry suppliers, and exhibitors and generated approximately $115.9 million dollars in booked business during the event and immediately afterward.

Pantuso noted that Baltimore has it all when it comes to hosting an event like ABA’s Annual Meeting & Marketplace, “from the beautiful waterfront with its attractions, to the world-class museums and historic sites, to quaint neighborhoods and restaurants offering every dish imaginable, we are so excited to bring our 3,400-plus members to this city.”

Featured its eight new 2018 MCI J4500 coaches wrapped in specially designed team colors to carry both the teams and staffs of the University of Georgia Bulldogs and University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in January.